Laparoscopic Repair for Groin Hernias in Female Patients: A Single-Center Experience in 15 Years

Background: Our objective was to investigate the clinical characteristics of laparoscopic repair for groin hernias in female patients. Study Design: The clinical data of 316 female patients (341 hernias) who underwent laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair at Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center between January 2001 and December 2015 was analyzed retrospectively. The operation-related data were to provide an overview of female groin hernias, preferred surgical approach, and the management of round ligament of uterus. Results: There were 274 transabdominal preperitoneal patch plastic repairs and 67 total extraperitoneal repairs performed on 257 and 59 patients, respectively. The median follow-up period was 48 months. Fifty-eight femoral hernias were noted in 52 patients, of which 18 femoral hernias were incarcerated. Cysts on the round ligament of uterus were found in 39 patients, and most of them underwent laparoscopic resection. Round ligaments of uterus were preserved in 152 patients and transected in 162 patients. The preservation group requires longer operation time and trickier surgical technique. None of the cases was converted to laparotomy. All patients returned to normal activity soon and no recurrence was noted during follow-up. Conclusions: Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is well adopted around the world. Meanwhile, there still remain questions to be discussed in female patients. Based on this study, the round ligament cyst could be resected while the operation. Either "open and suture'' or keyhole technique will be available to preserve the round ligament of uterus.